In order to better reflect the legislative intent and to tie in with the Chinese translation of "use by" date in Schedule 6 to the Food Business Regulation, Cap. 132X on the labelling of prepackaged chilled beef, mutton or pork, amendment to the Chinese rendition of "use by" date in the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations, Cap. 132W had been included in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance 2008. The Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council on 30 April 2008 and then published in the Gazette on 9 May 2008. The amendment aims to replace the wording "此日期前食用" under Regulation 5(1A) and paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 to Cap. 132W by "此日期或之前食用". For details, please refer to the relevant parts in the said Ordinance (Ord. No. 10 of 2008).

The commencement date for the amendment will be 1 July 2010 and the commencement notice was published in the Gazette on 15 May 2009 (L.N. 106 of 2009).

The trade is advised to change the relevant wording on the labels of their prepackaged food products to the new wording during the transition period by 30 June 2010.

The trade should note that the amendment only involves the Chinese rendition of "use by" date and the English version remains unchanged. In addition, there is no amendment to the wording of "best before" date, both the Chinese and English version.

For any enquiries on the matter, please contact Food Labelling Unit at 3962 2041 or 3962 2042.

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